Afloat Fitness Specialist (Fit Boss)

Department of the Navy

Commander, Navy Installations Command

CNIC Headquarters N921

Summary

This position is that of Afloat Fitness Specialist (NAF Civilian position) on board ships worldwide. The primary purpose of this position, also known as "Fit Boss," is to plan, coordinate, organize, and direct a well balanced afloat fitness program for as many as 5,400 crew members and embarked personnel aboard United States Navy aircraft carriers and large-deck amphibious assault ships.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

US Citizens only- Secret Clearance required for position.

Duties

In order to qualify for this position, resumes must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the position. Applicant resumes are the key means for evaluating skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position therefore, applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing experience.

*This position serves on board a large U.S. Navy ship (aircraft carrier, multi-purpose amphibious assault ship or hospital ship) and is responsible for developing a comprehensive Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program for as many as 5,600 shipboard personnel.*

Duties include but are not limited to:

Serves as the Afloat Fitness Specialist, with the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department, with responsibilities for planning, developing, organizing, promoting, coordinating, executing, evaluating and supervising a comprehensive and total fitness program for as many as 5,400 active duty military aboard a large U.S. Navy ship (aircraft carrier, multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, or hospital ship).
Deploys with ship during underway periods.
Co-manages the ship's intramural and varsity level sports program with the Afloat Recreation Specialist, "Fun Boss."
Conducts and/or supervises exercise sessions for groups and individuals.
Provides training in all aspects of exercise physiology to include stretching, use of fitness equipment, strength training, cardio-vascular conditioning and safety in proper exercise execution.
Manages and directs the care of fitness spaces on board the ship, in coordination with the Recreation Services Officer (RSO).
Recommends selection of high quality fitness equipment and coordinates with local Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Deployed Forces Support Office for issuing.
Coordinates with shipboard engineers, safety officers and other related technical subject matter experts for proper repair and maintenance of fitness equipment, fitness spaces and the installation of new fitness equipment.
Identifies disposal of old fitness equipment to Supply Department for proper disposition procedures.
Assists the Command Fitness Leaders (CFL) with Physical Fitness Assessments (PFA), Physical Readiness Tests (PRT) and body fat measurements.
Oversees exercise prescriptions on a regular basis for personnel who fail to attain satisfactory standards on their PFA.
Monitors the ship's Fitness Enhancement Programs (FEP), if requested by command or CFL. Advertises and promotes ship's afloat fitness program activities utilizing various resources.
Assists with administrative duties, to include drafting and executing financial plan/annual budget; preparing and submitting justification for funding, personnel, facilities, supplies, and equipment; processing financial reports and data collection; and providing information and guidance to the Commanding Officer on the fitness program.
Instructs and motivates military personnel assigned to the shipboard recreation division on proper operating procedures and policies; conducts the same for volunteers supporting the afloat fitness program.
Reviews and inspects work assignments given to assigned military or volunteers within the fitness division.
Directs designated military personnel and volunteers with tasks in support of the afloat fitness program, when authorized.
Communicates through various formats to include but not limited to; memorandums, executive summaries, slide presentations, briefs and e-mails to effectively correspond with CNIC HQ, ship's command and crew.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Must pass all applicable records and background check.
Must be a U.S. Citizen; must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of employment.
Due to the unique nature of the position, selectee will be required to complete a physical examination prior to entry of duty to determine if selectee is physically fit for shipboard duty.
The incumbent will be required to deploy at sea on board US Navy ships. Deployment lengths will vary from a few days to over 10 months at a time. The incumbent will receive 40% sea pay when underway/out to sea.
Due to the unique nature of the position, routine medical and dental care while underway may not be available.
Must be willing and able to relocate to reside in Sasebo, Japan.

Qualifications

Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.

A qualified candidate must possess the following:

Candidates must possess a current fitness certification from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Candidates must also have one of the following fitness-related education/experience combinations: A four-year degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in Physical Education, or related field of study OR an equivalent combination of three or more years of education from an accredited college or university towards a major in Exercise Physiology, Physical Education, or related field of study AND two or more years of progressively responsible experience developing comprehensive fitness programs OR three or more years of progressively responsible experience developing comprehensive fitness programs.

A qualified candidate possesses the following:

Knowledge of a wide range of principles, concepts and techniques that govern physical fitness programs which includes knowledge of exercise science, strength conditioning, nutrition, weight loss/control, cardiovascular endurance, exercise requirements and projected results.
Knowledge of bio-mechanics, fitness testing and exercise prescription supplemented with a knowledge of proper procedures in the use of strength training equipment, nutrition, exercise, physical fitness programming and testing equipment.
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology as relates to exercise and physical fitness.
Knowledge of military physical fitness standards and testing procedures.
Knowledge of budgeting, internal controls, cash management, and inventory systems.
Skill in planning and executing a comprehensive fitness and/or sports program that includes a variety of fitness activities.
Skill in developing and adapting new methods, approaches and procedures for the most effective management of a fitness program.
Skill in common computer applications such as Microsoft Office or alike program applications to include word files, e-mails, spreadsheets, presentations, calendars and other information technology resources.
Skill which applies to marketing and promoting fitness, nutrition and sports activities.
Ability to perform maintenance and repairs on fitness equipment.
Ability to develop and effectively deliver presentations and/or training.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Education

Professional Certification
Candidates must possess a fitness certification from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Accredited health/fitness organization is required per Department of War (DoW) MWR Fitness Standards. A current list of valid NCCA accredited certifications can be found here: Home (credentialingexcellence.org). A current list of valid DEAC accredited certifications can be found here: https://www.deac.org/Student-Center/Directory-Of-Accredited-Institutions.aspx

Certificate MUST be submitted at time of application for consideration.

Education/Experience
A four-year degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in Physical Education, or related field of study.
OR
An equivalent combination of three or more years of education from an accredited college or university towards a major in Exercise Physiology, Physical Education, or related field of study AND two or more years of progressively responsible experience developing comprehensive fitness programs.
OR
Three or more years of progressively responsible experience developing comprehensive fitness programs.

If qualifying all or in-part based on education, proof of education MUST be submitted at time of application in order to be considered.

Additional information

Position requires periodic deployment aboard a US Naval Vessel. 40% sea pay incentive is paid when underway/out to sea.
Due to the unique nature of the position, selectees will be required to complete a pre-employment physical examination and/or overseas medical screening.
Due to the overseas travel, all required vaccinations, including the anthrax vaccination, may be required as a condition of employment per DoD requirements.
At sea, the employee may share a stateroom with a junior officer. Meals are obtained by either joining the Officers' Mess as a paying member or by purchasing meals on the Enlisted Mess Decks.
Selectees must maintain a valid US Tourist Passport.
Selectees must apply for a US No-Fee Passport upon employment.
Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearances. Employment subject to successful Access National Agency Check with Inquiries (ANACI). Must have or be eligible for secret security clearance.
Must be able to obtain and maintain specialized training related to the position, including completion of the CNIC Afloat Recreation Program Management Course (ARPM) within 90 days of hire.
Certification in first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is required within 90 days of hire and must be maintained throughout the course of employment.
This position is not telework eligible.

General Information:

Employees (and their family members) who require medical or dental care in Japan may experience severe limitations accessing medical care both on the military installation and the local economy, and also could incur costly medical expenses.Access for civilian employees and their families to military medical and dental treatment facilities is on a space-available and reimbursable basis only.

Salary is dependent on experience and/or education. Salary is inclusive of locality pay.

Some positions have special requirements. Selectee may be required to complete a one (1) year probationary period. Participation in Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment is required. We utilize E-Verify to confirm selectee's eligibility to work in the United States. Salary is dependent on experience and/or education.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 60 days of issuance of selection certificate. For positions requiring travel more than twice per year, selectee may be required to obtain and maintain in good standing a Government-issued Travel Card for official government travel purposes.

Executive Order 12564 requires a Federal workplace free of illegal drugs. According to the Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Installations Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Review our benefits

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All resumes will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine the level of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the job requirements. Using the qualifications of the position, a predetermined rating criterion of KSAs will be used for each resume. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager. The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews.

Required Documents

The following documents are required at the time of application:

Resume: two-page limit, learn more here - Resume Requirements
Proof of education: official transcripts only; diplomas and degree audits are not acceptable. Failure to provide official transcripts will result in an ineligibility rating.
Proof of training: NCCA and/or DEAC licensures and certifications are acceptable, must show your name, licensure/certification type, and expiration date (if applicable)
If claiming Department of War (DOW) Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) Business Based Action (BBA) priority consideration: Provide a copy of the notice of separation
If claiming Veteran's Preference: Provide a copy of your DD-214, Member-4 page and any supporting documentation (SF-15, V.A. disability letter, proof of service, etc.)
If a current or former Federal Employee: Provide a copy of your most recent Personnel Action Report (PAR) or SF-50

NOTE: Failure to provide the required documents may impact eligibility, qualifications determination.

How to Apply

To be considered for this vacancy you must apply and complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. When building or uploading your resume, please note there is a two-page limit. The system will restrict any attempts to submit a longer document.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/15/2026 to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13025437

It is your responsibility to ensure your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.

Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant

To verify or check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account. Once logged in, the Welcome screen lists your applications, your application status and the date it was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status

Agency contact information

CNIC NAF HRO

Email: usn.ncr.cnicwashingtondc.mbx.naf-hrinquiries@us.navy.mil

Address: CNIC HQ
5720 Integrity Drive, Bldg. 457
Millington, TN 38055
US

Next steps

Using the required qualifications of the position, a standardized rating and ranking criteria of knowledge, skills, and abilities will be used to screen and assess each application.

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Times may vary during the hiring process, as your application status updates/changes you will be notified with a notification letter via email.

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., Spam Blocker, etc.), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Afloat Fitness Specialist (Fit Boss) Job in Sasebo, Japan